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Category:
Published: March 2008
Patty Fusco, of Fusco Personnel, started her executive search firm hoping for a flexible work schedule to free up more time to raise her children. Now, with over 250 employees, her company is a huge success.
Success Magazine: What does success mean to you?
Patty Fusco: To me, success is judged by a combination of factors; how well I am respected by others, the foundation I set for my children, the people I surround myself with, the path I choose for my life, and how I manage my career. It is living a lifestyle where I can be with my children, helping them with their homework, cooking them meals, and participating in after school activities. It’s finding the right balance of work and play, and managing both comfortably.
SM: How did your past prepare you for success as an entrepreneur?
PF: I am blessed to have been raised by wonderful parents. I am the youngest of eight. My parents taught me to have a strong work ethic, be honest and true to myself and others, and be the best person I can be. I have always been self sufficient. I make many lists of things to accomplish, and am constantly reviewing and crossing things off once they’ve been achieved!
SM: Do you remember the moment that you decided to go into business for yourself? What ignited this decision?
PF: Yes, when my husband and I found out we were having our first child. I knew I wanted to work for myself so that I could have a flexible schedule, and be with my children as much as possible.
I was tired of the corporate rat race,
and I wanted to set my priorities straight.
SM: What was the most difficult thing about your initial startup?
PF: We grew very fast and in a short time. Funding payroll was always tight. We were constantly using our own money to fund payroll until my clients paid.
SM: Why did you choose to start your business in the Capital Region?
PF: I am a native of the region, and it’s often easier to make a sale when you know who you are dealing with. I love the Capital Region- it is a great place to raise a family and run a business.
SM: What makes Fusco Personnel unique in the industry?
PF: Fusco Personnel has a unique business model. We are locally owned and operated, but we always put quality first. All of our candidates are screened and tested, and meet our company standards (which are higher than most). We also have professional standards that our staff must follow as common procedure.
SM: What is Fusco Personnel’s success rate, in terms of job placement?
PF: We have over a 90% success record of placement in all areas: temp, temp to hire and direct hire placements.
SM: How far does your client base stretch?
PF: We service clients throughout the Capital Region; stretching out to Kingston, Lake George, and Utica. We also recruit applicants throughout the country to come to the Capital Region for career opportunities.
SM: You have been in business since 1994. How has your company changed over the years?
PF: We have really fine tuned our process. Although we have well over 250 employees on a weekly basis, we remain very quality conscious.
SM: How have your goals changed?
PF: My goals have changed with age and experience. My goal now, is to continue a profitable business, while allowing more time to be spent with my family. I have a great team that works with me to continue our success without my presence on a
daily basis.
SM: How did you transcend from a personnel placement agency to a career placement agency?
PF: We have a great staff and management team that is cross trained in all of our office functions. We have expanded into a new office in Latham, and we have also been asked to recruit engineers and construction managers for our area. With careful planning, we have expanded and increased our sales force and executive recruitment team.
SM: What is the most important thing that you have learned about yourself in becoming an entrepreneur?
PF: I have always given 110% no matter what I’ve done, or where I have worked. Throughout the years, I have learned and continue to learn, how to manage people well. I have been fortunate to have employees who treat Fusco Personnel as if it were their own business. They all work with me and not for me. Team is the key!
SM: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
PF: Everyday I see how hard my employees work! We all derive such satisfaction from matching our quality personnel with companies in search. When you can see the difference you make in someone’s life when they are given the career opportunity they have been searching for, it’s very gratifying.
SM: What is your greatest challenge?
PF: To maintain steady growth. We have to always try to achieve our clients’ greatest satisfaction. We must maintain a focus and never let anything fall through the cracks. We pay close attention to every detail to ensure that our clients receive the highest possible service and satisfaction.
SM: At what point did you realize that you were successful?
PF: Professionally, I deem each day successful when I can go to work, know that the business is profitable, afford to pay a great staff a good income, and realize that we can never rest on yesterday’s work. We always need to strive to improve, and everyday we learn something new about our business.
Personally, when I look at my children, I see my success. I have three beautiful, sweet, thoughtful, caring, generous, and considerate daughters. It makes me proud to know that they are good people. I feel successful in providing them with a solid family foundation that I continue to build each day.
SM: As an owner of an executive search firm, what are your thoughts about the economic development of the region?
PF: We have grown over 70% in just the last year! I feel that the Capital Region continues to grow and maintain a steady work force.
SM: You have been a generous contributor to many charities. Why?
PF: I am so fortunate to have 3 healthy kids and a loving husband. I want to give something back to my local charities to help others who are not as fortunate. We are very involved in the Gilda’s Club, Bellevue hospital, the YMCA, and juvenile diabetes.
SM: Are you involved in any other organizations?
PF: I am involved In the Center for Economic Growth, and the Entrepreneur Organization. I think it is important to participate and contribute in any
way possible.
SM: What do you feel are some of the most challenging aspects of being a female entrepreneur?
PF: Women have so much more on their plates than men. Not only do we operate successful businesses, we also have to make sure we maintain a successful household. Both of our responsibilities are important for us to maintain daily-in some cases, without a lot of assistance.
SM: How have you personally overcome such challenges?
PF: At work, I have a great team who share my business beliefs and work ethic. In my personal life, my children are my first responsibility. I maintain an organized schedule and when unexpected events arise… like the kids getting sick- I shift things around and make it work!
SM: What skills do you have that make you a successful entrepreneur?
PF: I am very determined. As a business owner and a mom, I have to manage a very intense schedule. I am both persistent and a perfectionist, which forces me to demand a lot of myself and the people around me. But the most important thing is that I have learned to delegate. I am blessed to have my sister working beside me, and I have a professional staff with key employees that I can rely on completely.
SM: What advice would you give to
other women thinking of starting their own business?
PF: I have learned to surround myself with positive people in my organization. I believe that if you take care of your team, they will always do their best for you. You don’t need to be bigger, you need to be better. You have to figure out a way to make it work, because you can not quit. You must adjust, and persevere.
SM: Who is your hero?
PF: My parents are my heroes. They always have been. They are a true inspiration! They have instilled
wonderful values that I will live by my entire life.
SM: What have you learned from your parents?
PF: My parents were both givers. My father did very well for himself in business. He was extremely hard working, but he also worked smart. To me he exemplifies balance… he is an avid golfer and a tennis player. Everybody loves him, and he never says a bad word about anyone. My mother was a very nurturing woman. She was very organized and paid tremendous attention to detail.
SM: What skills have you developed to become a successful entrepreneur?
PF: I have learned to develop management skills that focus on team work. I must always put the positive first, and find a way to look at the brighter side of every situation. When faced with adversity, I have learned to see problems as learning experiences.
SM: How do you ensure that you not only find the best recruiters, but that you then keep them?
PF: Any recruiter that we add to our team needs to have the same values and business beliefs regarding quality of service, honesty, and professionalism. We can always train people on the
industry duties.
SM: What has been your greatest accomplishment?
PF: Personally, again, it will always be my children. In business, it is surrounding myself with great people– my employees have played a huge role in making Fusco Personnel so successful.
SM: How do you find balance in your busy life?
PF: My first job is my family. I had to be successful because many people were counting on me. I set my priorities straight and put my family first… then developed my corporate family. We learned to have a
tremendous work ethic. Once you set your priorities straight, the balance will follow. I spend as much time with my family as possible. Whether I am coaching my girls cheerleading team, or participating in a girl scouts activity- I try to give them as much time as I can.
SM: What do you do to relax and get your mind off work?
PF: I love to spend time with my kids and I also love to do things around my house. I am always redecorating, organizing, and cleaning. We are constantly having people over – never need a reason for a party!
SM: If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
PF: Considerate
SM: What are your hopes for the future of Fusco Personnel?
PF: Continued success- financially and in maintaining the great staff that I work with. To provide quality personnel, and the best customer care available.
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